Precision shaft alignment system

ABSTRACT

A precision shaft alignment system for establishing concentric alignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft that can be configured for stand-alone or retrofitted with an existing measuring system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to alignment systems and, morespecifically, to a precision shaft alignment system for establishingconcentric alignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft and a secondopposed, rotatably mounted shaft.

There is a known need in the art to properly align the shaft of a firsttorque producing unit with the shaft of a second loading (component)unit. The desired axial alignment, if true and precise, provides for thehigh efficiency coupling of torque from the first unit to the secondunit. Often the shafts are associated with respective rotating membersof the each unit. The misalignment of the shafts may provide an x,yangular alignment error where the center-lines of the two shaftsintersect at an angle, or may be manifested by a x,y parallel offsetmisalignment error where the respective shafts are parallel but exhibitan axial offset with the center-lines of each shaft not concentricallyor coaxially aligned. Of course, a combination of angular and paralleloffset misalignments are certainly possible. If the units are notproperly aligned, where the respective shafts are not axially alignedalong a common center-line or axis, the result may be damage to variouscomponents including items such as bearings, seals, gears, couplings,and ultimately machine failure. In addition, energy lost via frictionand “vibration” may be conserved with proper axial alignment anddelivered to the load.

The precision shaft alignment system of the present invention meetsthese needs and provides means to ensure concentrically or coaxiallyaligned shafts.

The precision shaft alignment system of the present invention may beutilized as a stand alone system, or may be retrofitted with an existingmeasuring system. Both methods provide the user with a high precisionand efficient means to align a motor drive shaft with the shaft of amotor driven machine or the like. The precision shaft alignment systemof the present invention features a portable, removable user friendlyautomated approach to the alignment process. The system provides meansfor a much higher degree of positioning accuracy and results in reducingthe amount of time required to achieve the alignment from hours to justminutes.

When utilized as a stand alone system, the precision shaft alignmentsystem of the present invention includes a user input device such as atouch screen monitor, key entry, or other, a computing, control anddisplay module that calculates and initiates control of the requiredpositional travel, precision measuring devices that read and send thecoordinates for the centerline of axis for each of the shafts andactuators that provide means for the unit to be repositioned. Based onthe calculated position and directly responding to the positional changecommunication via 2-way RS 232 from measuring devices (C & D) placed atthe front and rear mounting means.

A plurality of precision measuring modules are utilized to identify theX-Y coordinates of both units. The fixed unit is equipped with a digitalmeasuring device or laser source with a single or dual axis lasermeasuring sensor on the drive shaft. The movable unit to be positionedis equipped with a digital measuring device or a laser source with asingle or dual axis laser measuring sensors on the drive shaft. Themounting feet have two laser sources with three dual axis lasermeasuring sensors, or three digital measuring devices. Additionally, aplurality of independently powered actuators is utilized to drive theunit to be positioned. Each of the mounting feet are equipped withelevation positioning actuators, as well as transverse positioningactuators providing means for horizontal positioning.

The precision measuring modules measure the X-Y coordinates along twopoints on the centerline of both drive shafts. These coordinates aresignaled to, or data entered into the computing and control module. Thecomputing and control module calculates the relationship of themeasuring modules C & D (front and rear mounting means) in coordinancewith the concentric line of axis of measuring devices A & B (fixed &movable shafts). To determine the necessary X-Y travel of the secondunit to provide concentric shaft alignment.

Since the actuators are independently powered, parallel offsetmisalignment, angular misalignment, as well as a combination of angularand parallel offset misalignments can be corrected. Based on positionand positional change communicated via two way RS 232 from and tomeasuring modules C & D placed at the front and rear mounting means.

When utilized as a retrofit system, the precision shaft alignment systemof the present invention includes a user input device such as a touchscreen monitor, key entry, or other providing means to enter shaftcoordinates from the existing measuring system, a computing, control anddisplay module that calculates and initiates and controls the requiredpositional travel, and independently powered actuators that providemeans for the unit to be repositioned. Based on information provided by(X & Y) C & D precision measuring modules that communicate 2-wayposition and positional changes with a reference to the concentric lineof axis as the motor is being controlled into position.

Additionally, the precision shaft alignment system of the presentinvention provides means for a user defined and/or a continuous selfmonitoring for establishing and maintaining concentric alignment of afirst rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mountedshaft including thermal growth and machine vibration by utilizing thedual axis laser measuring devices and targets.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a precisionshaft alignment system for establishing concentric alignment of a firstrotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a stand alone orretrofit precision shaft alignment system with user input device such asa touch screen monitor, key entry, or other.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stand aloneor retrofit precision shaft alignment system with a computing, controland display module that calculates and initiates and controls therequired positional travel for establishing concentric alignment of afirst rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mountedshaft.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a standalone precision shaft alignment system with precision measuring devicesthat read and send the coordinates for the centerline of axis for eachof the shafts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a stand aloneprecision shaft alignment system with actuators that provide means forthe unit to be repositioned and that directly responds to the controlcomputing and display module with a constant reference to the concentricline of axis as the motor is being controlled into position based upon2-way via RS 232 position and positional change information beingcommunicated by the front and rear (X & Y) measuring modules.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a standalone or retrofit precision shaft alignment system with independentlypowered actuators to correct offset misalignment, angular misalignment,as well as a combination of angular and parallel offset misalignmentsbetween shafts that directly responds to the control computing anddisplay module with a constant reference to the concentric line of axisas the motor is being controlled into position based upon 2-way via RS232 position and positional change information being communicated by thefront and rear (X & Y) measuring modules.

Yet another object of the present invention is provide a retrofitprecision shaft alignment system that utilizes an existing measuringsystem to define the required travel to achieve concentric alignment ofa first rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mountedshaft that directly responds to the control, computing and displaymodule with a constant reference to the concentric line of axis as themotor is being controlled into position based upon 2-way via RS 232position and positional change information being communicated by thefront and rear (X & Y) measuring modules.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a userdefined or self monitoring precision shaft alignment system forestablishing and maintaining concentric alignment of a first rotatablymounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft includingthermal growth and machine vibration by utilizing a plurality of lasersources with dual axis measuring sensors.

Additional objects of the present invention will appear as thedescription proceeds.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art byproviding a precision shaft alignment system for establishing concentricalignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed,rotatably mounted shaft that can be configured for stand alone orretrofitted with an existing measuring system.

The present invention also overcomes the shortcomings of the prior artby providing a stand alone or retrofit precision shaft alignment systemwith independently powered actuators to correct offset misalignment,angular misalignment, as well as a combination of angular and paralleloffset misalignments between shafts.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from thedescription to follow. In the description reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detailto enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatstructural changes may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference charactersdesignate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best definedby the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now bedescribed, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawingin which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's preferred methods;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's component modules;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's components;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the precision measuring devices of theshaft alignment system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the powered actuator devices for the shaftalignment system of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of the precision measuring devices of theshaft alignment system of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of the precision measuring devices of theshaft alignment system of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram describing the travel requirements based on thedefined X-Y coordinates of both shafts;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view describing the travel requirements basedon the defined X-Y coordinates of both shafts;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view describing the travel requirements basedon the defined X-Y coordinates of both shafts;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view describing the travel requirements basedon the defined X-Y coordinates of both shafts;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's component modules;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the precision shaft alignment system ofthe present invention's component modules;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's order of operations; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's order of operations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, thefigures illustrate the Precision Shaft Alignment Apparatus of thepresent invention of the present invention. With regard to the referencenumerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the variousdrawing figures.

-   -   10 Precision Shaft Alignment Apparatus of the present invention    -   12 stand-alone system of 10    -   14 existing system retrofit of 10    -   16 user input device    -   18 computing and control module    -   20 shaft input precision measuring devices by others    -   22 powered actuators    -   24 mounting means precision measuring devices    -   26 digital measuring device    -   28 single axis laser measuring sensor    -   30 dual axis laser measuring sensor    -   32 shaft-mounted measuring device on fixed unit shaft    -   34 shaft-mounted measuring device on variable position unit        shaft    -   36 fixed unit    -   38 variable position unit    -   40 elevation actuators    -   43 first post of 40    -   44 transverse positioning actuator    -   46 shaft of 36    -   48 shaft of 38

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of theinvention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussionshould not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to thoseparticular embodiments, practitioners skilled in the art will recognizenumerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scopeof the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's 10 preferred methods. The precision shaft alignmentsystem of the present invention 10 may be utilized as a stand-alonesystem 12, or may be retrofitted with an existing measuring system 14.Both methods provide the user with a high precision and efficient meansto align a motor drive shaft with the shaft of a motor driven machine orthe like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's component modules when utilized as a stand alonesystem 12, including a user input device 16 such as a touch screenmonitor, key entry, or other, a computing and control module 18 thatcalculates and initiates the required positional travel, precisionmeasuring devices two laser sources with two single or dual axis lasermeasuring sensors 28 or 30 or two digital measuring devices 26 that readand send the coordinates for the centerline of axis for each of theshafts and actuators 22 that provide means for the unit to berepositioned. Including front and rear (X & Y) precision measuringdevices 24 (two laser sources with three dual axis laser measuringsensors 30 or three digital measuring devices 26) that communicate 2-wayposition and positional change information providing a constantreference to the concentric line of axis as the motor is beingcontrolled into position by direct response to the controller.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's component modules when utilized as a retrofit system14 includes a user input device 16 such as a touch screen monitor, keyentry, or other providing means to enter shaft coordinates from theexisting measuring system 21, a computing, control and display module 18that calculates and initiates and controls the required positionaltravel, and actuators 22 that provide means for the unit to berepositioned. Responding to the front and rear (X & Y) precisionmeasuring modules 24 (two laser sources with three dual axis lasermeasuring sensors 30 or three digital measuring devices 26) for 2-wayposition and positional change information providing a reference to theconcentric line of axis as the motor is being controlled into position.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the precision measuring devices of theshaft alignment system of the present invention. A plurality ofprecision measuring modules are utilized to identify the x-y coordinatesof both units. The fixed unit 36 is equipped with a precision measuringmodule 32 along the drive shaft. The unit to be positioned 38 isequipped with precision measuring modules 34 on the drive shaft. Twolaser sources with three dual axis laser measuring sensors 30 or threedigital measuring devices 26 are the mounting means precision measuringdevices 24 that are integral with each mounting foot.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the powered actuator devices 22 for theshaft alignment system of the present invention. A plurality of poweredactuators 22 are utilized to drive the unit to be positioned. Each ofthe mounting feet are equipped with elevation positioning actuators 40as well as transverse positioning actuators 44 providing means forhorizontal positioning.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view of the precision measuring devices of theshaft alignment system of the present invention 10. By measuring the x-ycoordinates along two points on the centerline of the drive shaft, theprecision measuring modules create a precise identification of thetravel requirements of the second drive shaft. These coordinates aresignaled to or data entered into the computing and control module.

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of the precision measuring devices of theshaft alignment system of the present invention 10. The precisionmeasuring modules 32,34 measure the x-y coordinates along two points onthe centerline of both drive shafts 46,48. These coordinates aresignaled to, or data entered into the computing and control module. Thecomputing and control module calculates: the relationship of measuringmodules 24 C and D (front and rear (X & Y) mounting means) incoordinance with the concentric line of axis of measuring devices 20 Aand B (shaft input measuring devices).

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the present invention 10 describing the travelrequirements based on the defined X-Y coordinates of both shafts. If thedrive shaft centerlines of the stationary unit and the reposition unitare parallel, the front and rear actuators affixed to the mounting feetof the reposition unit will extend or retract the same distance. If thedrive shaft centerlines of the stationary unit and reposition unit arenot parallel the rear actuators affixed to the mounting feet of thereposition unit will extend or retract until measuring devices C and Dplaced at the front and rear mounting means communicating the calculatedconcentric line of axis coordinates become equal to each other will thenautomatically stop. On occasion

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view describing the travel requirements basedon the defined X-Y coordinates of both shafts as determined by theirrespective measuring modules 32,34. Depicted in FIG. 9 is a conditionwherein the drive shaft centerlines of the stationary unit 36 and thereposition unit 38 are parallel. The front and rear actuators 22 affixedto the mounting feet respond to their respective measuring modules 24 ofthe reposition unit and will travel the same distance “y” thenautomatically stop.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view describing the travel requirements basedon the defined x-y coordinates of both shafts as determined by theirrespective measuring modules 32,34. Depicted in FIG. 10 is a conditionwherein the drive shaft centerlines of the stationary unit 36 and thereposition unit 38 are not parallel. To create a concentric line ofaxis, the front and rear actuators 22 affixed to the mounting feet ofthe reposition unit extend at unlike distances according to theirrespective measuring modules 24.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view describing the travel requirements basedon the defined x-y coordinates of both shafts. Depicted in FIG. 11 is acondition wherein the drive shaft centerlines of the stationary unit andthe reposition unit are not parallel. To create a concentric line ofaxis, the front and rear actuators 22 affixed to the mounting feet ofthe reposition unit extend at unlike distances in response to theirrespective measuring modules 24.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's 10 component modules of the fixed unit 36 and thevariable position unit 38. When utilized as a stand alone system 12, theprecision shaft alignment system of the present invention includes auser input device 16 such as a touch screen monitor, key entry, orother, a computing and control module 18 that calculates and initiatesthe required controlled positional travel, shaft-mounted precisionmeasuring devices 32,34 that read and send the coordinates for thecenterline of axis for each of the shafts and additional precisionmeasuring modules 24 in communication with the actuators 22 that providemeans for the unit to be repositioned. Front and rear (x&y) precisionmeasuring modules 24 that communicate 2-way position and positionalchange information providing a constant reference to the concentric lineof axis as the driver motor is being controlled into position.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the precision shaft alignment system ofthe present invention's 10 component modules. When utilized as aretrofit system 14 to align a fixed unit 36 and a variable position unit38, the precision shaft alignment system of the present inventionincludes a user input device 16 such as a touch screen monitor, keyentry, or other providing means to enter shaft coordinates from theexisting measuring system, a computing, control and display module 18that calculates and initiates the required controlled positional travel,and actuators 40,42 that provide means for the unit to be repositioned.Based upon information provided by the front and rear (X & Y) precisionmeasuring modules 24 directly responding to the position and positionalchange information providing a constant reference to the concentric lineof axis as the motor is controlled into position.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's order of operations. Depicted is the presentinvention's order of operations when utilized as a stand-alone system.Step one is the order of operations of the precision shaft alignmentsystem of the present invention. Step two involves affixing precisionmeasuring devices to the drive shafts of unit #1 and unit #2. In stepthree the precision measuring devices and actuators are affixed to themounting feet of unit #2. Enter input data for distances a, b and c instep four. In step five the precision measuring devices affixed to unit#1 and unit #2 send signals to control and computing module defining thecenter line axis of both shafts. Taking place in step six the controlcomputing and display module computes vertical and transverse travelrequirements to determine the relationship of measuring devices C and Din accordance with the concentric line of axis of measuring devices Aand B. Advancing to step seven, the control and computing module sendsinformation that has been calculated to be pre-sets for measuringdevices (C and D) via 2-way RS232 communication with positional changerequirements to provide concentric lines of axis between unit #1 andunit #2. Proceeding to step eight, the actuators activate and travel thecalculated distances required to provide concentric lines of axisbetween unit #1 and unit #2 by directly responding to the controldisplay and computing module with a constant reference to concentricline of axis as the motor is being controlled into position.Automatically stopping when the angular and parallel offsets arecorrected. An optional step nine includes the user defined monitoring ofshafts concentricity. The alignment process repeats thereby accountingfor and compensating for thermal growth and machine vibration.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of the precision shaft alignment system of thepresent invention's order of operations. Depicted is the presentinvention's order of operations when utilized as a retrofit system. Stepone is the order of operations of the precision shaft alignment systemof the present invention retrofitted with another independent measuringsystem. The power actuators are affixed to the mounting feet of the unitto be positioned along with front and rear mounting means measuringdevices C and D in step two and step three includes entering input datafor distances a, b and c. Step four involves taking the x-y coordinatesof the center line axis of the shafts of said fixed unit and saidvariable position unit from said independent measuring system. Step fivehas the user inputting said x-y coordinates of the center lines of theshafts of said fixed unit and said variable position unit into saidcontrol and computing module via touch screen monitor via said userinput device. Step six includes said control and computing modulecalculating vertical (y) and transverse (x) travel requirements todetermine the relationship of measuring devices C and D in coordinancewith the concentric line of axis of the respective measuring devices Aand B locating the shafts of said fixed unit and said variable positionunit. In step seven, the control and computing module sendinginformation that has been calculated to be pre-sets for said mountingmeans measuring devices C and D via 2-way RS 232 communication withposition and positional change requirements to provide concentric linesof axis between said shafts of said fixed unit and said variableposition unit activating said actuators and traveling the calculateddistances required to provide concentric lines of axis between theshafts of said fixed unit and said variable position unit by directlyresponding to said control and computing module with a constantreference to the concentric lines of axis as the motor is beingcontrolled into position and automatically stopping when the angular andparallel offsets are corrected.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown anddescribed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intendedto be limited to the details above, since it will be understood thatvarious omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the formsand details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be madeby those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spiritof the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily adapt it for various applications without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

1. A precision shaft alignment system for establishing concentric axialalignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft extending from a fixed unitwith a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft extending towards saidfirst shaft from a variable position unit being positioned for usetherewith, said precision alignment system comprising: a) a control andcomputing module; b) an input measuring means to provide precise x,ycoordinates of the concentric line of axis of said variable shaft andsaid fixed shaft, said input measuring means in communication with saidcontrol and computing module; c) a plurality of variable position unitmounting means precision measuring modules in communication with saidcontrol and computing module to receive and transmit x/y repositioningdata therefrom required to align said shafts; and d) a plurality ofpowered actuators integral with said variable position mounting means,said actuators in communication with and responsive to said mountingmeans precision measuring modules to reposition said variable positionunit vertically and horizontally accordingly to align the shaft thereofto the x-y coordinates of said fixed unit shaft.
 2. A precision shaftalignment system as recited in claim 1, that is utilized as a retrofitsystem wherein said input measuring means comprises a pre-existing shaftalignment system or dial indicators utilizing the reverse alignmentmethod and the shaft coordinates or alignment corrections from theexisting system are entered manually and initiates and controls therequired positional travel and said actuators that provide means forsaid variable position unit to be repositioned.
 3. A precision shaftalignment system as recited in claim 2, wherein said input measuringmeans comprises laser source or sources with laser measuring sensor orsensors coupled with said shaft of said variable position unit therebyproviding precise x-y coordinates of said variable position unit shaftrespective to said fixed unit shaft, said measuring device incommunication with said control and computing module and said user inputdevice wherein coordinates are provided in accordance to said existingsystem.
 4. A precision shaft alignment system as recited in claim 2,that is utilized as a retrofit system wherein said input measuring meanscomprises a pre-existing shaft alignment system or dial indicatorutilizing the reverse alignment method and the shaft coordinates oralignment corrections from the existing system are entered manually andinitiates and controls the required positional travel and said actuatorsthat provide means for said variable position unit to be repositioned.5. A precision shaft alignment system as recited in claim 4, wherein theorder of operations of the precision shaft alignment system whenretrofitted with another independent measuring system proceeds asfollows: a) taking the x-y coordinates of the center line axis of theshafts of said fixed unit and said variable position unit from saidindependent measuring system; b) the user inputting data for distancesa, b and c and said x-y coordinates of the center lines of the shafts ofsaid fixed unit and said variable position unit into said control andcomputing module via touch screen monitor via said user input device; c)said control and computing module calculating vertical (y) andtransverse (x) travel requirements to determine the relationship ofmeasuring devices C and D in coordinance with the concentric line ofaxis of the respective measuring devices locating the shafts of saidfixed unit and said variable position unit; d) said control andcomputing module sending information that has been calculated to bepre-sets for said mounting means measuring devices via 2-way RS 232communication with position and positional change requirements toprovide concentric lines of axis between said shafts of said fixed unitand said variable position unit; and e) activating said actuators andtraveling the calculated distances required to provide concentric linesof axis between the shafts of said fixed unit and said variable positionunit by directly responding to said control and computing module with aconstant reference to the concentric lines of axis as the motor is beingcontrolled into position and automatically stopping when the angular andparallel offsets are corrected.
 6. A precision shaft alignment system asrecited in claim 1, that is utilized as a stand-alone system whereinsaid input measuring means comprises one laser source with a single ordual axis laser measuring sensor related with the shaft of said fixedunit and one laser source with a single or dual axis laser measuringsensor related with the shaft of said variable position unit.
 7. Aprecision shaft alignment system as recited in claim 1, that is utilizedas a stand-alone system wherein said input measuring means comprises twodigital measuring devices related with the shaft of said fixed andvariable units and three digital measuring devices related with themounting means of the variable position unit.
 8. A precision shaftalignment system as recited in claim 1 that is utilized as a stand-alonesystem wherein the order of operations proceeds as follows: a) enteringdata input for distances a, b and c; b) sending signals from theprecision measuring devices affixed to said fixed unit and said variableposition unit to said control and computing module thereby defining thecenter line of axis of the respective shafts; c) control and computingmodule calculating vertical and transverse travel requirements todetermine the relationship of measuring devices C and D in coordinancewith the concentric line of axis of the measuring devices A and Brelated with the shafts of said fixed unit and said variable positionunit; d) sending calculated positional data to be pre-sets for saidmeasuring devices from control and computing module via 2-way RS 232communication with position and positional change requirements toprovide concentric lines of axis between the shafts of said fixed unitand said variable position unit; and e) activating actuators to travelthe calculated distances required to provide concentric lines of axisbetween the shafts of said fixed unit and said variable position unit bydirectly responding to said control and computing module with a constantreference to the concentric lines of axis as the motor is beingcontrolled into position and automatically stopping when the angular andparallel offsets are corrected.